The Subject of Books

Nine Years Later

1961

O'Connor's novel is discussed in several books as she becomes the subject
of more academic study.

The general survey book, The Literature of the United States: An
Introduction to the Main Themes and Figures of the American Literary
Scene from Colonial Times to the Present Day includes O'Connor.
This indicates that she is a "main figure" whose work is
taught in classes.

The scholarly book, Radical Innocence: Studies in the Contemporary
American Novel contains a chapter analyzing the grotesque in Wise
Blood.

Books can be popular, scholarly, or a combination of both. For example, the
general survey book above is written for students (characteristic of a scholarly
book) but does not introduce new research or concepts (characteristic of
a popular book).

Popular Book Characteristics

AUDIENCE:

General public

AUTHOR:

Journalists, professional writers, or sometimes
scholars

SELECTION PROCESS:

Selected by editors for sales potential

TIMELINESS:

Not as current as magazines or journals (although
books on current events or scandals are sometimes rush released
to capitalize on public interest).

CONTENT:

Provides more content than a magazine
article, but is still a popularized treatment of a subject (such
as a biography that talks more about an author's relationships
or addictions than his/her work, or a history book that takes
information that scholars have published and puts it in simpler
language). Does not usually back up information with footnotes
and bibliographies citing other research.

TYPE OF SOURCE:

Secondary, unless it's an autobiography,
diary, or collection of letters

Scholarly Book Characteristics

AUDIENCE:

Scholars and students

AUTHOR:

Professors or
scholars in the field

SELECTION PROCESS

Editorial review

TIMELINESS:

Takes at least
several years for a book on a new topic to be written.

CONTENT:

Covers
one subject in great depth, or brings together essays on similar
topics. Backs up information with footnotes and bibliographies
citing other research.